| Classes
My training uses positive training techniques to help you and your dog be successful in agility as well as in the rest of your lives together. Even if you never do agility, I hope that you will learn skills to help you and your dog understand each other better and have more fun!
For feedback from current and past
students, click here.
New agility classes start
in August. A reactive dog/focus class will also be provided. Contact me at dogsaflying@msn.com
for future class schedules and details. The class descriptions
follow.
If you are
interested in a class for canine freestyle, please
contact me for upcoming classes.
Classes are typically scheduled for 6 weeks in a session. Classes are schedule for 90 minutes each. One make-up lesson is provided for every set of classes at no extra charge.
The classes are described below.
1. Getting Started - This class is designed to help you and your dog establish a good working relationship that will be essential to your later success on the agility course. Your dog will get to play on the “dog toys” (agility equipment) during this class too. We will also focus on some basic obedience training, clicker training, and get you and your dog started on handling skills and body awareness. Even if you never go on to agility, this class will greatly enhance your relationship with your dog.
2. Beginning Agility -This class is the next logical step after the Getting Started class. This class will build on the basics from the Getting Started class and will focus on handling, obstacle performance, obstacle commitment, contact obstacle training, jumping skills, and weave pole training, etc. When teams have completed this class, the dogs will have established patterns of proper performance on all contact equipment and be able to perform short sequences. Dogs may not be proficient with weave poles at this point.
3. Beginner II Agility - This class focuses on sequencing as well as sharpening
other obstacle skills. This class is the next class for dogs and handlers that have completed the Beginning Agility class.
4. Novice Competition - This class is for dogs that have completed the previous classes above and are getting ready to, or competing at the novice level. We will continue to build skills for the dog and handler and get you ready for your early competition experience.
5. Excellent Competition - This class is for dog/handler teams that are competing at the open or excellent level. We will work on various skill-building exercises including obstacle commitment, jumping, contacts, start line issues, and weave pole skills. We will be working excellent level standard and jumpers courses on a rotating basis.
6. Reactive Dog/Focus Class
- This class is limited to 6 dogs who have a difficult time focusing on
working with their handler or who react inappropriately to people or
other dogs out of fear. The instruction is based on the
skills developed and provided in Leslie McDevitt's Control
Unleashed book and in her seminars. I have participated
in one of her seminars (and read the book of course), have extensive experience with reactivity
in dogs, and taught two focus seminars based on the skills we will
be using in this class. We will work on your dog's ability to deal
with stressors effectively and instead choose to work with you. If you are interested in this
class, please contact me assure that I can provide the appropriate
situation for you and your dog.
No aggressive dogs, or bitches in heat in class settings please.
Private Lessons
I also teach private lessons if you would like to work toward your goals on a one-on-one basis or if you have a special training situation. We can focus on reactivity issues, clicker training, focus work, relationship issues, obedience, or agility. We can also do semi-private lessons for 2-3 people.
Please contact Mary Hunter at dogsaflying@msn.com for a fee schedule or
more information.
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